Parents need to monitor children's internet access - Cristina

Speaking during a Be Smart Online discussion this morning, Minister for Education, Employment and the Family, Dolores Cristina said children today are born as “digital natives” – using and understanding computers from birth whereas their parents are in “catch up mode” which presents challenges that need to be faced.

Cristina compared parents with lack of computer knowledge to illiterate parents in the past, who were unable monitor and protect children from harmful literature.

She also added that while it is important to teach children about technology from a very early age – even kindergarten classes are being equipped with computers with access to the internet – it is equally important for parents to understand the challenges and protect children against harm.

The last 20 years have seen a technological revolution all over the world and Malta has not lagged behind. Parliamentary assistant from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Charlo Bonnici said access to the internet in Malta is a priority, with up to 70% of homes having a computer with access to the internet. 97% of Maltese children have access to the internet with 55% making use of the internet every day. 80% of Maltese children have a facebook account while 95% of children in forms 3 and 4 have a mobile phone with access to the internet.

He also added that though the internet can be beneficial to research conducted by children for school projects, it is important that they are aware of plagiarism laws, predators, fraud and illegal content.

Commissioner of Children Helen D’Amato insists that it is important to differentiate between children of different ages and maturities and that one policy to fit all is detrimental.

Social networking sites, such as facebook should not be used by children under 13. Though facebook does not allow children under 13 to open an account it is up to parents to ensure that children do not get around this by entering a false date of birth.

She expresses concern over the lack of filtering software used by parents to monitor internet use of minors.

“According to a Eurostat survey 91% of internet users use some sort of antivirus software to protect their hardware, but only 9% of parents of children under 16 use any sort of filtering software to protect their children.”

Inspector Trevor Sammut from the Malta Police Force said that the Force should only be there as a “secondary source of protection”. Though government and the educational system should be responsible for protection of minors on the internet, primary responsibility lies with the parents.

“Accessing social networking sites allow children access to 500 million users, 50% of which are active users – logging on to the site everyday. The average user has 130 friends. 200 million users access facebook through a mobile phone device. These users are twice as more active than non-mobile device users. It is of vital importance for parents to be aware of technological changes and the dangers they present.”

He added that in the past parents warned their children not to talk to strangers or take sweets from strangers, today it is important to extend that advice into the virtual world.

Sina Bugeja, CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services said that though it is of primary importance to prevent cybercrime and to protect children, a support system for victims of cybercrime is also necessary. A help hotline has been set up on 179 where children can report abuse and gain adequate support. Reports can also be made online. She stresses the need for “empowerment of children, who should be taught of the dangers of the internet and the appropriate course of action to be taken in the event of cybercrime.”